HELP WITH THESE

[drinzster]

so i just encountered a photo that was edited for my friend, i keep wondering how did he do it, first i thought its HDR but after i look to it closely i think its not, but the things is he manage to lighten up the colors etc. now i know this is a noob question but how? did you guys know any tutorial to do this ? and if its really an HDR please do tell where i can get a proper tutorial, i browsed enough video in youtube but it doesnt answer my question, hope you guys can help me Thanks in advance

link to the image

credits to the owner

http://i49.tinypic.com/15wxv5w.jpg